End-face rotating joint for transmitting torques

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a magnetic end-face rotating joint (100) for transmitting torques, containing a first joint half (102) which can be connected to a first shaft, and comprising a second joint half (104) which can be connected to a second shaft. The first joint half (102) comprises a first permanent magnet (106) which has the magnet configuration of a Halbach array.

The present invention relates to a magnetic disc coupling for transmitting torque.

Magnetic couplings, in which magnets or pairs of magnets arranged concentrically one inside the other are used to transmit torque without contact, are known in the state of the art. A diverter element can additionally be used to guide the magnetic flux, which increases the transmittable torque and thus improves efficiency. Depending on the applied torque, the two coupling parts rotate a few degrees relative to one another. The rotation creates a stationary counter-torque equal to the externally applied torque.

Increasing the number of magnetic poles in order to increase the transmittable torque is known in the state of the art as well. However, particularly in the case of small dimensions, there are limitations due to manufacturability and magnetization. Active magnetic flux guidance by the use of additional elements can contribute to increasing the torque. In the case of very small dimensions or very limited installation space, however, it is difficult to achieve the necessary torque or to control the arrangement structurally and keep to the available installation space.

The installation space is further reduced if either components serving to guide the magnetic flux or other passive structural elements are added to shield the magnetic field, which typically causes structural problems.

Building permanent magnetic synchronous clutches with permanent magnet rings, so-called disc couplings, is also known in the state of the art.

Each magnet ring is multipolar and axially magnetized in the direction of rotation. An additional iron return disc takes over the magnetic flux guidance. The force or torque is transmitted using magnetic fields, so that dividing walls made of non-magnetizable materials are possible.

In the disc coupling, the axially attractive magnetic forces have to be captured structurally. For this reason, this type of coupling is usually used only for drive ratings up to a maximum of 5 kW. The dividing walls are made of materials with low electrical conductivity.

The object of the invention is to provide a magnetic disc coupling, in which the ratio of transmittable torque to installation space is improved in such a way that, for a given installation space, a greater torque can be transmitted with it than with a magnetic coupling having one of the designs described above.

This object is achieved by a magnetic disc coupling having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

A magnetic disc coupling according to the invention is used to transmit torque. This transmission of torque can take place from one shaft to another shaft, for example.

A magnetic disc coupling according to the invention comprises a first coupling half, which can be connected to a first shaft, and a second coupling half, which can be connected to a second shaft.

Here, the first coupling half comprises a first permanent magnet, having the magnet configuration of a Halbach array.

The permanent magnet can in particular be formed by a Halbach array.

In the present case, a permanent magnet having the magnet configuration of a Halbach array is a permanent magnet in which the magnetic flux density is low on one side, the so-called weak side, because the magnetic flux is essentially canceled there, and high on another side, the so-called strong side, because the magnetic flux is amplified there.

In the present case, a Halbach array is an arrangement of magnets as they are described at the link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halbach_array, to which reference is hereby made and the disclosure of which is fully incorporated into the description of this invention.

The magnet configuration of a Halbach array can be formed by permanent-magnetic segments which are assembled and the magnetization direction of which relative to one another is tilted 90° with respect to a preferred direction, e.g. with respect to the direction of a longitudinal axis of the arrangement. It is thus possible to achieve a side-dependent flux amplification. For further information, please also refer to the relevant technical literature concerning Halbach arrays.

The disc coupling thus advantageously ensures that the magnetic flux can be concentrated without additional magnetic flux guiding arrangements. This in turn leads to a reduction of the required total volume or, alternatively, to a reduction in the magnet volume or enables the same magnetic flux to be achieved without additional structural measures such as magnetic returns. The torque is thus greater for the same installation space than in conventional arrangements with a return of the magnetic flux. It is also possible to reduce the magnet volume while maintaining the same torque.

According to a preferred embodiment, the disc coupling can be a coupling of a cardiac support system, in particular a pump of such a system.

According to a preferred embodiment, the second coupling half is axially magnetized. This can be accomplished with or without a magnetic return. The magnetic field is thus advantageously guided axially from the second coupling half to the first coupling half, as a result of which a force acting between the first and second coupling half is greater than in the case of a non-axial magnetization of the second coupling half.

Without limiting the generality, according to another embodiment, the first and second coupling half can be interchanged.

According to another preferred embodiment, the second coupling half comprises a second permanent magnet which comprises a Halbach array, in particular is a Halbach array. Particularly preferably, the second coupling half is structurally identical to the first coupling half. It is further preferred here that the magnetization of the first coupling half and the second coupling half point in the same direction and, according to an even more preferred embodiment, are the same. This feature advantageously ensures that the disc coupling is constructed symmetrically and that high axial magnetic forces can act between the two coupling halves.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, the first coupling half and the second coupling half are opposite one another at their ends. In this case, it is preferred if the distance between the first and second coupling half is as small as possible. This feature advantageously ensures that the magnetic forces acting between the first and second coupling half are as large as possible.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first shaft can be connected to a driving shaft and the second shaft to an output shaft. This feature advantageously ensures that a torque of the driving shaft can be transmitted to the driving shaft.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first coupling half and the second coupling half are arranged coaxially. In this case, it is further preferred if the first coupling half and the second coupling half are opposite one another. This feature advantageously ensures that, at all times during the rotational movement of the shafts, the relative position of the first coupling half to the second coupling half is identical. As a result, the magnetic forces between the first and second coupling half remain constant over time at a maximum value.

According to a preferred embodiment, a strong side of the Halbach array of the first coupling half and/or the second coupling half faces the respective other coupling half. In the event that both the first and the second coupling half comprise permanent magnets, each of which comprises a Halbach array, it is further preferred that both the strong side of the Halbach array of the first coupling half and the strong side of the Halbach array of the second coupling half are located on the respective end face of the coupling halves. An end face of a coupling half is understood here to be the side that is closer to the respective other coupling half. This feature ensures that the strong magnetic flux of each coupling half is used for coupling with the respective other coupling half and is not, in a sense, wasted on a side facing away from the respective other coupling half.

According to a preferred embodiment, the magnetic field of the first and/or second coupling half is single-pole or multi-pole paired. In this case, each pole of one coupling half is opposite to an opposite pole of the other coupling half.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first coupling half and the second coupling half each have 2n segments or 2n+1 segments, wherein n is a whole number greater than or equal to 1. Each segment of the first coupling half, which preferably has one polarity, is opposite to a corresponding segment of the second coupling half, which has an opposite polarity.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least one of the first coupling half and the second coupling half has a round or annular shape. The first or second coupling half preferably comprises or is a circular or annular magnet. Such a shape is very practical for the present application in which torque is transmitted by means of shafts.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first coupling half and the second coupling half each comprise a disc magnet. Such a shape is very practical for the present application in which torque is transmitted by means of shafts.

According to a preferred embodiment, a radius of the first coupling half is the same size as a radius of the second coupling half. According to another preferred embodiment, an axial length of the first coupling half is the same as an axial length of the second coupling half. These features have the advantage that the coupling halves can be produced in the same way or identically.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first coupling half and/or the second coupling half each comprise at least two coupling parts. Each coupling part can fulfill the option of a segment of a Halbach array. This feature makes it possible to implement a Halbach array in a simple manner.

The first coupling half and the second coupling half preferably each have the same number and the same arrangement. It is further preferred that the coupling parts of the coupling halves are symmetrical to a plane between the first coupling half and the second coupling half. This has the advantage of a simple structure with optimal field distribution of the magnetic field.

The magnetization direction of the first coupling half and/or the second coupling half preferably extends, at least in a region away from an axial axis, along an axial direction. The magnetization direction points in the same direction in both the first coupling half and the second coupling half. This has the advantage that a strong coupling of force between the coupling halves can be achieved.

According to a preferred embodiment, the coupling parts can each be disposed on a shaft. According to another preferred embodiment, the coupling parts can be disposed on a carrier on the rear side of the coupling halves.

The invention is explained in more detail in the following with reference to the design examples shown schematically in the drawing.

The figures show:

FIG. 1A a magnetic disc coupling according to a first design example of the invention in a side view;

FIG. 1B a front view of the magnetic disc coupling of FIG. 1A along a sectional plane;

FIG. 2A a magnetic disc coupling according to a further design example of the invention in a side view;

FIG. 2B a front view of the magnetic disc coupling of FIG. 2A along a sectional plane;

FIG. 3A a magnetic disc coupling according to a further design example of the invention in a side view;

FIG. 3B a front view of the magnetic disc coupling of FIG. 3A along a sectional plane;

FIG. 4A a magnetic disc coupling according to yet another design example of the invention in a side view;

FIG. 4B a front view of the magnetic disc coupling of FIG. 4A along a sectional plane;

FIG. 5A a magnetic disc coupling according to yet another design example of the invention in a side view;

FIG. 5B a front view of the magnetic disc coupling of FIG. 5A, wherein the view of FIG. 5A is a sectional view along the line aA in FIG. 5B;

FIG. 6A a magnetic disc coupling according to the design example of FIGS. 5A and 5B in a side view, wherein the view of FIG. 6A is a sectional view along the line bB of FIG. 6B;

FIG. 6B a front view of the magnetic disc coupling of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B and

FIG. 7C a respective coupling half of a magnetic disc coupling for transmitting torque according to a further design example of the invention in three different views.

FIG. 1A shows a magnetic disc coupling 100 for transmitting torque according to one design example of the invention in a side view.

The disc coupling 100 comprises a first coupling half 102, which can be connected to a first shaft, and a second coupling half 104, which can be connected to a second shaft.

The first coupling half 102 comprises a first permanent magnet 106 having the magnet configuration of a Halbach array. The second coupling half 104 comprises a second permanent magnet 108 having the magnet configuration of a Halbach array.

The first coupling half 102 and the second coupling half 104 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry 110, which is disposed midway between the first coupling half 102 and the second coupling half 104 and extends along the y-axis.

The first coupling half 102 comprises three coupling parts 111, 112 and 113, which are magnetized and form the first permanent magnet 106. The coupling parts 111, 112 and 113 are segments of the permanent magnet having magnetizations, the direction of which is different. The second coupling half 104 likewise comprises three coupling parts 114, 115 and 116, which are likewise magnetized and form the second permanent magnet 108. The coupling parts 114, 115 and 116 are segments of the second permanent magnet 108 that have magnetizations with different directions.

The first coupling half 102 has the same dimensions as the second coupling half 104. The first coupling half 102 and the second coupling half 104 are both round and, when used as intended, rotate around the x-axis which extends through the center of the first coupling half 102 and the second coupling half 104. FIG. 1B shows a front view depicting the magnetic disc coupling 100 from the right along the sectional plane indicated by the dashed line 105. In this case, the second coupling half 104 can be seen, while the first coupling half 102 is obscured by the second coupling half 104.

The coupling parts 111 and 114 have the same magnetization, which extends in the direction of the negative x-axis. The coupling parts 113 and 116 have the same magnetization, which extends in the direction of the positive x-axis.

The coupling parts 112 and 115 have opposite magnetizations, whereby the coupling part 112 extends along the y-axis and the coupling part 115 extends along the negative y-axis.

The three coupling parts 111, 112 and 113 of the first coupling half 102 form a Halbach array. Consequently, the first permanent magnet 106 has the magnet configuration of a Halbach array. A Halbach array having only three segments is the smallest possible Halbach array. The three coupling parts 114, 115 and 116 of the second coupling half 104 likewise form a Halbach array. The second permanent magnet 108 thus also has the magnet configuration of a Halbach array. In the view of FIG. 1A, the direction of the magnetization of the coupling part 112 relative to the magnetization of the coupling part 111 is tilted 90° about an axis perpendicular to the x- and y-axis shown there. The magnetization of the coupling part 113 relative to the magnetization of the coupling part 112 is tilted 90° about an axis perpendicular to the x- and y-axis; relative to the magnetization of the coupling part 111 it is tilted 180° about this same axis. Correspondingly, in the view of FIG. 1A, the direction of the magnetization of the coupling part 115 relative to the magnetization of the coupling part 114 is tilted 90° about an axis perpendicular to the x- and y-axis shown there. The magnetization of the coupling part 116 relative to the magnetization of the coupling part 115 is tilted 90° about an axis perpendicular to the x- and y-axis; relative to the magnetization of the coupling part 111 it is tilted 180° about this same axis.

The magnetized coupling parts 111 and 113 of the first coupling half 102, which is shown on the left side in FIG. 1A, together induce a magnetic field, which points downward on the right side of the first coupling half 102 and points upward on the left side of the first coupling half 102. The coupling part 112 of the first coupling half 102 induces a magnetic field which, in the view of FIG. 1A, points downward on the right side of the first coupling half 102 and also points downward on the left side of the first coupling half 102. If the total magnetic field of the coupling parts 111, 112 and 113 is calculated, the result for the right side of the first coupling half 102 is an amplification of the magnetic field components that originate on the one hand from the coupling part 112 and on the other hand from the coupling parts 111 and 113 and, for the left side of the first coupling half 102, the result is a mutual attenuation of the magnetic field components that originate on the one hand from the coupling part 112 and on the other hand from the coupling parts 111 and 113. Consequently, the magnetic field on the right side of the first coupling half 102 is greater than on its left side. Therefore, in the view of FIG. 1A, the strong side of the Halbach array of the first permanent magnet 106, i.e. the side of the Halbach array on which the magnetic field is strong, is to the right of the first coupling half 102 and the weak side of the Halbach array of the first permanent magnet 106, i.e. the side of the Halbach array on which the magnetic field is weak, is to the left of the first coupling half.

Correspondingly, the result for the second coupling half 104 on the left side is an amplification of the magnetic field components that originate on the one hand from the coupling part 115 and on the other hand from the coupling parts 114 and 116 and, for the right side of the first coupling half 104, the result is a mutual attenuation of the magnetic field components that originate on the one hand from the coupling part 115 and on the other hand from the coupling parts 114 and 116. The magnetic field is thus weak on the right side of the second coupling half 104 and strong on the left side of the second coupling half 104. Therefore, in the view of FIG. 1A, the strong side of the Halbach array of the second permanent magnet 108, i.e. the side of the Halbach array on which the magnetic field is strong, is to the left of the first coupling half 104 and the weak side of the Halbach array of the second permanent magnet 108, i.e. the side of the Halbach array on which the magnetic field is weak, is to the right of the second coupling half 104.

Thus, the total magnetic field between the first coupling half 102 and the second coupling half 104 is strong and the total magnetic field outside the first coupling half 102 and the second coupling half 104 is weak. This results in a strong coupling between the first coupling half 102 and the second coupling half 104.

The coupling parts 111, 112 and 113 in the form of segments of the first permanent magnet 106 in the first coupling half 102 form a single-pole paired arrangement with the coupling parts 114, 115 and 116 in the form of segments of the second permanent magnet 108 of the second coupling half 104.

FIG. 2A shows a magnetic disc coupling 100 for transmitting torque according to a further design example of the invention in a side view. FIG. 2B shows a front view of the magnetic disc coupling according to FIG. 2A along a sectional plane. In contrast to the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B, both the first coupling half 102 and the second coupling half 104 respectively comprise a non-magnetic mounting plate 130.

FIG. 3A shows a magnetic disc coupling 100 for transmitting torque according to yet another design example of the invention in a side view. FIG. 3B shows a front view of the magnetic disc coupling according to FIG. 3A along a sectional plane. The embodiment of FIGS. 3A and 3B differs from the embodiment of FIGS. 2A and 2B in that both the mounting plate 130 of the first coupling half 102 and the mounting plate 130 of the second half 104 are respectively connected to a shaft. The mounting plate 130 of the first coupling half 102 is connected to a driving shaft 132 and the mounting plate 130 of the second coupling half 104 is connected to an output shaft 134.

FIG. 4A shows a magnetic disc coupling 100 for transmitting torque according to yet another design example of the invention in a side view. FIG. 4B shows a front view of the magnetic disc coupling according to FIG. 4A along a sectional plane. The embodiment of FIGS. 3A and 3B differs from the embodiment of FIGS. 3A and 3B in that both the driving shaft 132 and the output shaft 134 are directly connected to the respective magnets of the first coupling half 102 and the second coupling half 104.

FIG. 5A shows a magnetic disc coupling 100 for transmitting torque according to yet another design example of the invention in a side view. FIG. 5B shows a front view of the magnetic disc coupling according to FIG. 5A. The view of FIG. 5A is a sectional view along the line aA. The embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B differs from the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B in that the disc coupling 100 is double-pole paired. The first coupling half 102 and the second coupling half 104 each comprise four segments. FIGS. 6A and 6B show the same embodiment as FIGS. 5A and 5B, but FIG. 6A shows a section along the line bB.

FIG. 7B shows a first coupling half 102 of a magnetic disc coupling 100 for transmitting torque according to yet another design example of the invention in a side view. FIG. 7A and FIG. 7C each show a front view of the second coupling half 102 of the magnetic disc coupling according to FIG. 7B; FIG. 7A shows a view from the left, FIG. 7C shows a view from the right.

In this case, the first coupling half 102 is a four-poled variant comprising a total of five segments, whereby an annular magnet is attached as one segment to an inner side, i.e. the side facing away from the end face, of the first coupling half 102, and the half of the first coupling half 102 on the end face comprises four segments. The magnetic disc coupling 100 for transmitting torque comprises two such coupling halves opposite to one another.

In summary, the following preferred features of the invention should in particular be noted:

A magnetic disc coupling 100 for transmitting torque comprises a first coupling half 102, which can be connected to a first shaft; and comprises a second coupling half 104, which can be connected to a second shaft. The first coupling half 102 comprises a first permanent magnet 106 having the magnet configuration of a Halbach array.

The invention relates in particular to the aspects specified in the following clauses:

-   1. Magnetic disc coupling (100) for transmitting torque, comprising:     -   a first coupling half (102), which can be connected to a first         shaft; and a second coupling half (104), which can be connected         to a second shaft;     -   wherein the first coupling half (102) comprises a first         permanent magnet (106) comprising a Halbach array. -   2. Magnetic disc coupling (100) according to Clause 1, characterized     in that the second coupling half (104) is axially magnetized. -   3. Magnetic disc coupling (100) according to Clause 1, characterized     in that the second coupling half (104) comprises a second permanent     magnet (108) comprising a Halbach array. -   4. Magnetic disc coupling (100) according to any one of the     preceding clauses, characterized in that the end faces of the first     coupling half (102) and the second coupling half (104) are opposite     one another. -   5. Magnetic disc coupling (100) according to any one of the     preceding clauses, characterized in that the first shaft can be     connected to a driving shaft (132) and the second shaft can be     connected to an output shaft (134). -   6. Magnetic disc coupling (100) according to any one of the     preceding clauses, characterized in that the first coupling half     (102) and the second coupling half (104) are arranged coaxially. -   7. Magnetic disc coupling (100) according to any one of the     preceding clauses, characterized in that a strong side of the     Halbach array of the first coupling half (102) and/or the second     coupling half (104) faces the respective other coupling half (102,     104). -   8. Magnetic disc coupling (100) according to any one of the     preceding clauses, characterized in that the magnetic field of the     first and/or second coupling half is single-pole or multi-pole     paired. -   9. Magnetic disc coupling (100) according to any one of the     preceding clauses, characterized in that the first coupling half     (102) and the second coupling half (104) each have 2n segments,     wherein n is a whole number greater than or equal to 1. -   10. Magnetic disc coupling (100) according to any one of the     preceding clauses, characterized in that at least one of the first     coupling half (120) and/or the second coupling half (104) has a     round or annular shape. -   11. Magnetic disc coupling (100) according to any one of the     preceding clauses, characterized in that the first coupling half     (102) and the second coupling half (104) each comprise a disc     magnet. -   12. Magnetic disc coupling (100) according to any one of the     preceding clauses, characterized in that a radius of the first     coupling half (102) is the same size as a radius of the second     coupling half (104). -   13. Magnetic disc coupling (100) according to any one of the     preceding clauses, characterized in that an axial length of the     first coupling half (102) is the same as an axial length of the     second coupling half (104). -   14. Magnetic disc coupling (100) according to any one of the     preceding clauses, characterized in that the first coupling half     (102) and/or the second coupling half (104) each comprise at least     two coupling parts (111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116). 

1. A magnetic disc coupling for transmitting torque in a cardiac support system, the magnetic disc coupling comprising: a first coupling half being configured to connect to a first shaft, the first coupling half comprising a first permanent magnet having a magnet configuration of a Halbach array; and a second coupling half being configured to connect to a second shaft.
 2. The magnetic disc coupling of claim 1, wherein the first permanent magnet comprises a strong side.
 3. The magnetic disc coupling of claim 2, wherein the first permanent magnet comprises a weak side facing away from the strong side.
 4. The magnetic disc coupling of claim 2, wherein the strong side of the first permanent magnet faces the second coupling half.
 5. The magnetic disc coupling claim 1, wherein the second coupling half is axially magnetized.
 6. The magnetic disc coupling claim 1, wherein the second coupling half comprises a second permanent magnet having a magnet configuration of a Halbach array.
 7. The magnetic disc coupling of claim 6, wherein the second permanent magnet comprises a strong side.
 8. The magnetic disc coupling of claim 7, wherein the second permanent magnet comprises a weak side facing away from the strong side.
 9. The magnetic disc coupling of claim 7, wherein the strong side of the second permanent magnet faces the first coupling half (102).
 10. The magnetic disc coupling of claim 6, wherein the magnet configuration of the second permanent magnet comprises 2n or 2n+1 segments, and wherein n is a whole number greater than or equal to
 1. 11. The magnetic disc coupling of claim 10, wherein a number of segments of the magnet configuration of the first permanent magnet is the same as a number of segments of the magnet configuration of the second permanent magnet.
 12. The magnetic disc coupling of claim 1, wherein the magnet configuration of the first permanent magnet comprises 2n or 2n+1 segments, and wherein n is a whole number greater than or equal to
 1. 13. The magnetic disc coupling of claim 1, wherein an end face of the first coupling half and an end face of the second coupling half are positioned opposite one another.
 14. The magnetic disc coupling of claim 1, wherein the first shaft is configured to connect to a driving shaft and the second shaft is configured to connect to an output shaft.
 15. The magnetic disc coupling of claim 1, wherein the first coupling half and the second coupling half are arranged coaxially.
 16. The magnetic disc coupling of claim 1, wherein at least one of a magnetic field of the first coupling half and a magnetic field of the second coupling half is single-pole or multi-pole paired.
 17. The magnetic disc coupling of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first coupling half and the second coupling half has a round or annular shape.
 18. The magnetic disc coupling of claim 1, wherein the first coupling half and the second coupling half each comprise a disc magnet.
 19. The magnetic disc coupling of claim 1, wherein a radius of the first coupling half is equal in size to a radius of the second coupling half.
 20. The magnetic disc coupling of claim 1, wherein an axial length of the first coupling half is equal in size to an axial length of the second coupling half.
 21. The magnetic disc coupling of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first coupling half and the second coupling half comprise at least two coupling parts. 